The Viking (1931): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1931, The Viking is an action, drama, adventure and romance film directed by George Melford, running about 70 minutes. “Actually produced during the Great Newfoundland Seal Hunt and You see the REAL thing” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Originally called White Thunder, American producer Varick Frissell's 1931 film was inspired by his love for the Canadian Arctic Circle. Set in a beautifully black-and-white filmed Newfoundland, it is the story of a rivalry between two seal hunters that plays out on the ice floes during a hunt. Unsatisfied with the first cut, Frissell arranged for the crew to accompany an actual Newfoundland seal hunt on The SS Viking, on which an explosion of dynamite (carried regularly at the time on Arctic ships to combat ice jams) killed many members of the crew, including Frissell. The film was renamed in honor of the dead.

Who’s in it. The Viking stars Charles Starrett as Luke Oarum, Louise Huntington as Mary Joe, Arthur Vinton as Jed Nelson and Bob Bartlett as Captain Barker (as Captain Bob Bartlett), among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.7/10, The Viking has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Philo, Fandor Amazon Channel and Cineverse Amazon Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Viking page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Viking tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.